Kayaking is a generally accessible sport, which allows you to glide across the water on everything from raging water rapids or the ocean to more peaceful and calm lakes. When approaching kayaking on a lake, certain fundamentals range from safety to technique that need to be understood before you get out on the water. This will ensure that you are prepared and able to have an entertaining and safe time.
Step 1
Research the lakes available to kayak in for your area or plan on taking a trip to an area where lakes are present. Unlike motorized boats, most lakes are kayak friendly because they do not create noise or a wake. Be sure the lake is open to the public. Research the weather during the time you plant to kayak as high winds can create bumpy water for beginners, and thunder and lightning create unsafe kayaking conditions on the water.
Step 2
Learn the safety rules of kayaking. Wear a life jacket at all times that is not too big and loose on the body. Do not kayak if you are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Refrain from kayaking alone to ensure that if you experience trouble or an emergency, someone is there to help or call for help.
Step 3
Practice your front power strokes. Place the right side of the paddle in the water down towards where you feet are at in the kayak. Keep your back away from the backrest and relax your shoulders and chest. Pull the paddle directly along the boat until the paddle reaches approximately the area of your hip. Pretend that you are trying to pull yourself out of the water using the paddle. Once the paddle reaches your hip, pull the paddle out of the water and repeat the movement on the other side of the kayak.
Step 4
Use turning strokes to navigate. Place the right side of the paddle in the water as far forward as you comfortably can. Sweep the paddle out away from the boat in a large arc going from the kayak's bow to stern. Keep your hands relatively still while depending on the rotation of your torso to move the paddle. Once the paddle has reached the stern pull it out of the water and repeat as necessary or move to a different stroke. The stroke should push the bow of the boat away from the paddle and the stern toward it to turn the boat.
Step 5
Practice getting in and out of the kayak when it flips. Grab the kayak once you have flipped over. If the kayak is upside down, reach over the kayak and grab the far side and pull it toward you to unflip the boat. Grab the bow of the kayak as it can be pulled under water to make it easier to get back on the boat. Relax your body to allow your feet to float to the surface of the water as if floating on your belly. Kick your legs and pull your body forward onto the kayak. Pull yourself up to a seated position and inch your way up to the cockpit, keeping your body low to match the center of gravity of the boat. Sit back into the cockpit and get yourself situated.
Tips and Warnings
- Some kayaks you may be able to recover when you lose your balance by using a low brace, high brace or Eskimo roll, but with a lake the need for these maneuvers is minimized.
Things You'll Need
- Life jacket
- Kayak
- Paddle
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